How to Select the Right Hearing Aid

If you need a hearing aid, you might be wondering how to choose the best one for you. They come in lots of styles, but style is not the only consideration. Cost, technology, and your aesthetic preferences will also play a role in choosing the right hearing aid.

Before you select a hearing aid, you'll want to have a thorough hearing test and hearing aid evaluation. This will help with the decision-making process, since the doctor will ask and answer questions about various types of hearing aids. The audiologist will also make a mold of your ear to ensure a perfect custom fit.

Hearing aid technology has improved by leaps and bounds. You can still choose between an analog hearing aid, which simply amplifies all sounds, and digital hearing aids, which adjust their digital amplification according to the types of noise you're hearing. There is also a programmable analog variety that is more customizable than traditional analog.

Next, consider which style of hearing aid you like best. You can get a classic behind-the-ear hearing aid or a tiny hearing aid that fits completely inside the ear canal--and everything in between. The different styles vary widely, but the smallest and least obtrusive devices are also the most expensive.

Price is the most important consideration for lots of people. An analog behind-the-ear device can cost $900, while a digital hearing aid that fits in the ear canal can cost as much as $5,000. The average price for a hearing aid is $1,000 to $3,000. Insurance doesn't typically cover them, but other financing options are available through individual clinics, some private insurance plans, and Care Credit. Many hearing aid candidates believe that treating hearing loss is worth the price of hearing aids.

Some people don't like hearing aids at all; they believe the devices make them look old, or cause people to treat them differently. However, for millions of Americans, it's more acceptable to wear a hearing aid than to constantly ask others to repeat themselves. After careful consideration and a good hearing aid evaluation, you'll have no problem choosing the hearing aid that's right for you.